Luxe Address – Marrakech, Morocco

From screen stars to 5-stars, India is making its presence felt in “the gateway to Africa”

Last December, a flock of Bollywood bigwigs descended on this historic city, nestled in the foothills of the snowcapped Atlas Mountains, for the Marrakech International Film Festival. But a regal experience is easy, even if you’re not Shah Rukh Khan hobnobbing with princes. Our guide to the good life in Marrakech.

Stay

La Mamounia is an oldie but a goodie. Built in 1925, recently refurbished and reopened, the Moroccan art deco hotel is all white-liveried service and sumptuous accommodation. There’s more than a hint of a glorious past here, but with the conveniences of the modern world, including an enormous spa and several bar and dining options. The Taj Palace Marrakech opened just last year, and is already one of the brand’s more breathtaking properties. Stay in one of the Riad suites or, if you’re in the mood to splurge, the Royal Suite atop the main building is over 5,000 square feet with three bedrooms, a fireplace and a terrace running its length, with spectaclar views of the Atlas Mountains.

Drink

Start the night out with cocktails at the Piano Bar at Les Jardins de la Koutoubia hotel. True to its name, a live act fills the richly decorated space with mellow tunes – perfect for the gentlemen’s club vibe they’ve got going on. It seems rude not to take in some local culture, so order a drink amidst a mix of expats, tourists and locals, and try not to stare at the belly dancers at the Lounge Bar at Comptoir Darna. End your night at Pacha, sister club to the famed Ibiza original. You know what to expect: beautiful people, strong (and pricey) drinks and loud EDM. Guest DJs who frequent the Spanish spot are known to spin sets here, too.

Eat

The Mamounia is known for its in-house cuisine, but we also recommend stepping out – Marrakech is a good food place. To get a real taste of Morocco, head over to the central square, Jemma el Fna, where, come sunset, a sprawl of stalls lay out their culinary wares. Snails down this way, fresh orange juice down that, Merguez sausages, warm bread – and sheep’s head, if you’re man enough. Michelin-trained French chef Damien Durand’s Le Zinc is a great stopover for a sophisticated French bistro lunch. Bo-Zin is, in one word, trendy: a buzzy bar and a warm, sexy dining area serving up a winning mix of Asian (steamed dumplings) and Moroccan (monkfish tagine) dishes.

Shop

There are, of course, a ton of souks in the Medina (the historic part of the city) that are worth a wander for some local culture. But for a more modern shopping experience, head to Guéliz, the edgier, French influenced part of the city.

Pop into Atika, known for its high-quality imitation designer loafers. Place Vendôme is the spot for leather goods – handbags for your lady, jackets, briefcases et al for you. 33 Rue Majorelle, the brainchild of a French expat, showcases everything from furnishings to evening bags by Moroccan artists and designers.

See

Besides the souks, the Koutoubia mosque, the traditional (and in some cases very luxe) hammams, etc, take some time to discover Marrakech’s artistic side. Jardin Majorelle, an enormous botanical garden acquired by long-time resident Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Berge, is worth a visit – particularly the Musée Berbère within, featuring part of the late designer’s own private collection. Guéliz is also home to several art galleries: The Matisse Art Gallery and Galerie Rê showcase both established and up-andcoming Moroccan artists. For shutterbugs, the Maison de la Photographie is worth stopping by for a visual history lesson of the country.